Astounding! How I made my first CW contact; and you can too

[@45auto]

Apparently this video has brought out the angry CW gatekeepers. They're missing the point that this is a way to introduce people to CW and encourage them to learn more about a mode that they've previously avoided. U-rah-rah

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

You've got it! I figured this video would start a holy war. Last month it was FT8, now it's this. I wonder what they will complain about next?

[@travisdrake2940]

​@@KB9VBRAntennas since I've found this hobby two years ago I've discovered that Ham radio is very divided amongst the "purists" and the technology driven individuals. The purists want us to keep it like it was 70-90 years ago the tech guys want to learn code but you get driven by the advancement in tech like you've shown in this video

[@norbertstepien9185]

@@travisdrake2940 I suppose, based on your in depth assessment, that I fall in the "purist" category. Having said that, the hobby can accomodate all interests and if its just making a contact that's important to you, that's fine. Personally the joy that comes from operating a key or paddle to communicate is similar to playing a musical instrument. It has taken a lot of effort to get there, but worth the journey. So to all the "technology driven individuals" good luck on building up your data base I will continue with the traditional skills.

[@yeahitsk]

I've seen Dave in many of your videos and his depth of knowledge and passion for sharing his valuable experiences with the community are much appreciated. What a great guy and impressive ham.

[@yaksvk]

I love the authentic mad professor's laugh at 10:44. Great video guys, I had fun watching it!

[@scottdunbar4898]

When I upgraded from Tech-Plus to General in 1997, I bought an MFJ 9020 and had a blast working all states and countless countries with 5 watts, a straight key, and a dipole. I got my Extra the same year and still use that straight key but with lots more power. I also enjoy SSB but there's just something special about a nice, simple CW QSO. Perhaps being a musician has something to do with it but I just love the swing and rhythm of manual CW. K1NEO, Maine.

[@WilliamLee-eh6hy]

Manual CW is what the code readers have the biggest problem decoding. Until you can do at least 20 wpm you are best sticking to practice!

[@donz7992]

Nicely done, guys. I use the macro for calling CQ but I try to do the rest manually. S-L-O-W-L-Y of course! I really enjoy Dave's contributions to these videos. Clear, concise explanations. Glad that I have worked both of you on the air (now to chase you on CW...)

[@JustMe-dv5ix]

You are doing it the correct way, good job.

[@JeffErdman]

Nice job. Keep at it and it will get easier. I knew zero CW in Feburary and last night I activated K-1516 with 43 CW contacts in 70 minutes (plus some SSB before) using my paddle and no macros. It was a CW pileup the whole time until it got too late and I had to stop. POTA hunting and SKCC had a huge hand in helping me learn and improve. 73 de K9FRO

[@JustMe-dv5ix]

Good job, yes do it yourself, not the computer key it out by hand and head copy what is recieved.

[@KO4ZRX]

Well done Michael, I'm currently in the process of learning cw also. Ive been hunting from parks and manually sending. It's a ton of fun. I can't wait to catch you on cw in a park. 73

[@ve2zdx]

We love to see CW content! 73

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

No that the dam's been breeched, more will be on the way.

[@ve2zdx]

@@KB9VBRAntennas great! I’m a software engineer and I made a web based app with a methodology I believe works great for beginners. I would like you to take a look and see if you find it helpful. The link is in my qrz page, section software. Give it a try! If the audio doesn’t play you need to quit the silent mode on the phone (same problem of the web sdr on phones) Best 73 tu e e

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thanks. I’ll check it out.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Nice work Michael. It’s nice to have Dave helping you out. Once I get my Extra, learning CW will be on the table. 73!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That's awesome to hear. Yeah, get the Extra out of the way first so you can concentrate on the code.

[@Sonicgott]

I'm an absolute novice when it comes to CW and Morse, but there's patient hams out there who are more than willing to teach you the ropes. Making mistakes is absolutely OKAY -- it's part of learning. No one is a master at CW overnight. I can see the nice thing about CW is that you can work more easily through the noise and transmit simple messages that can get the job done pretty quickly and efficiently.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Well done! It's funny, but I know a number of DXers who've never learned CW, but have hundreds of DX contacts with the mode. DXing has an even more simplified exchange. You can get away with two macros: 1.) Your callsign 2.) "5NN 5NN TU" I would add that using macros like this is a gateway into the mode. I feel like it tunes up your ear to hear your call and components of other calls along with standard exchange info. Cheers, Thomas (K4SWL)

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That's a really good point. Contest exchanges are also very simplified and predictable.

[@WilliamLee-eh6hy]

Dont you need to acknowledge you received your sig report with at least an "RR" in there somewhere?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@WilliamLee-eh6hy Not in a contest or DXpedition signal report. Typically, you're just listening for that "TU" to acknowledge you've been logged.

[@billjobes1851]

Big Congrats, Michael -- welcome to the POTA CW World ! Soon you'll be off the macros ... just you, your fist and your key. Great work, Professor Dave. You're an outstanding mentor and confidence-builder.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

This was a fun video and I'm looking forward to working the code more.

[@Andrew-yx7sf]

This motivated me to activate CW. I have been a ham for over 25 years and love POTA. Now to get my General Class Wife to do CW. 🤣

[@WB8ERJ]

Congratulations Michael! Welcome to the world of CW. The big thing to remember is that the first CW QSO is the most difficult. Its all downhill from here - hope to work you on CW -- Mike WB8ERJ

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yes. It will only get better and I hope to get you in the log soon.

[@k2wo1]

Wowser! Welcome to the sunny side of the street Michael! Glad to see you will be active on CW. Great tips from Dave. IMHO, I would have the memories all set up as you have them, but I would recommend not using them until you are comfortable sending/copying CW on your own. That way, you'll develop proficiency and really enjoy the beauties of CW......and you'll pick up your code speed and get comfortable with CW. Most POTA Ops will slow down as needed. Just my $.02. In any case, work at it and have fun. You'll be amazed at what you can work on POTA with CW. Best 73, George K2WO

[@billhewitt8965]

Thank you, Dave and Michael. It's on my list, and I feel much better about trying it.

[@richardhill9801]

Bravo! It's a start on a long learning trail.

[@briandalton7427]

Darn it guys, I really didn’t need something else to be interested in but after watching this I’m gonna open up this chapter as well in my love for radio!! Thanks and great video as always.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That's awesome. It's certainly a fun journey.

[@4MTL4p]

Thank you for this. I learned CW a long time ago, but like you have never used it. I have had an interest in adding CW to my tool kit for a while since I do a lot of weak signal work on VHF/UHF. Unfortunately, only “real” hams do CW here and those “real” hams are far too busy to share their knowledge about the mechanics of making a contact. I got the code, it’s all the K, KR, BK, etc. and what order it all goes in that had me lost. Now I have something to follow. I appreciate your knowledge sharing and encouragement.

[@wayneskiba1237]

Great video on using another mode to make a pota contact, you make it look really easy to make a cw contact, thank you for building my confidence!

[@mmlanger55]

As an old CW op.... WELCOME to CW Michael. POTA has been such an encouragement to new CW students. Keep up the good work! de N0ANE

[@kendebusk2540]

Nicely done, Michael! I've been inactive for over 20 years, just about have everything ready to get on the air (waiting on coax adapters--never thought about that until I tried hooking everything up), and as a bonus, it's all portable, too! I have not even looked to see what parks are near me, but I will soon. I will practice my CW from home for a while then look for the great outdoors. I do always enjoy your videos. I almost always run KZbin at double time (2 x), but with anything with CW in it, I discovered that I can't copy 15 wpm because it becomes 30, so I run them at normal speed. I suppose if it was someone really fast, I could cut to 3/4 or 1/2 speed and cheat a little bit. 73 de KA8VLW, Ken, Michigan

[@thork0tjt515]

Great video! Morse is my next goal! 73

[@n7tb]

Well done Michael!, as a CW activator, I hope I can work you! As your confidence grows, you will start to pick up CW again. For me it was 25 years since I learned CW until I took it up again at Age 69. Now CW is my primary mode. It won’t be long until you will be a CW activator! 73, N7TB

[@kevin_wb0poh]

Good for you Dave. I'm 95% CW in my activations - it would be nice to work you on CW (hihi)

[@davewhite7679]

That would be awesome. By the numbers, I'm approaching 17,000 POTA contacts, and about 35% of those are CW mode. KZ9V

[@MikeB0001]

Great Michael! Congrats Dave for getting the cattle prod out. (You did send KB9VR on your key) so that was busted! Just saw Dave on the cluster 14058 but no copy in WNY. Look forward to getting VBR in my log on CW! 73, W2GR

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Dave's up on K-1439, Big Bay State Park for the next couple days. This is an island in the Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior and a bit rare in regards to CW activations. I'm the most prolific activator for that park so it is mostly phone and data.

[@thuff3207]

Thank you and I am a new poor CW operator. I typically send the POTA call with my call. Sounds like you do not need to send their call. I like how you set this up it helps.

[@Martin_PA0KGB]

Dave thank you very much. I will give it a try. greetings Martin PA0KGB

[@kylefreemason]

Congratulations Michael!

[@howardmiller7170]

Great video Thanks😊

[@joserico3767]

My goal is to have cw contact by end of year.

[@64findtheway]

From now on my cw CQ sound like this: "CQ CQ CQ de ...... Im human K"

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Whatever floats your boat, just be sure to do it sloppily on a straight key so you will never be decoded by a computer.

[@giffjim55]

Thank you, I really needed this video!!!!

[@mattstosh6960]

Recommend you insert macro AGN

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Good idea

[@davewhite7679]

Maybe a "QRS" macro, too.🤣 KZ9V

[@cavdvr99]

Michael, I didn't see any video's on your site on FLDIGI and/or how to set it up for CW? Any help on this subject?

[@randyvaughankn4wbh998]

i have mine set up .. but its not decoding ..dont forget to get flrig too .. for rig control ..

[@misterprizz]

Michael - a few years ago I asked you in the comments about doing some CW vids and you replied that you weren't really proficient at it. I'm really happy to see you taking the leap!! Despite what anyone says, using macros is just fine. It's a great way to get your feet wet and get over the nervousness. As you get more comfortable (and more proficient), you'll rely on macros less and less. Thanks for making this video. I hope it inspires some others to take the leap and try out CW. 73 de KR1SMA

[@F4EGX]

It looks a lot like an QSO in FT8. It's fun, but I'm afraid we don't get all the fun of the CW.

[@halcollins4293]

I always enjoy your videos and learn something. This time I learned that, “Michael’s computer contacted someone’s computer in a park!”

[@gaptastic]

Very cool! I dig dave. Now I need to get a controller.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Dave's a great idea man. I love working with him on projects.

[@denelson83]

If I am going to make CW contacts, I am just going to send slow code, and as I get more comfortable with receiving CW at the slow speed, I will then try to speed my code up gradually.

[@bassmanjr100]

I need to get FLDIGI out and mess with it. I'm learning with morse machine and I'm about 2/3rds through learning all the letters and numbers.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

FLdigi isn't perfect, but it is a good fallback if your copy isn't 100%

[@BurtonChristmasLites]

You have inspired me. I think I need to brush up on my CW now. And FLDigi wouldn't hurt ;-) Thanks! Robert KD4YDC

[@WilliamLee-eh6hy]

Unless the sender is using a computer and keyboard to send CW FLdigi wont help much either ... you will see.

[@scottkralph]

It only requires a small amount of work to get "okay" at CW and it's lots of fun thereafter. Just keep at it

[@MrStanwyck]

Hey Michael - I don’t know how I missed this video you did last year, but I would like to see you do more CW videos. Bill, KC2KNA

[@cw.only.channel]

Very nice video. Thank you 73

[@bhenry5091]

Curious that the cw activator does not send his park number, as is usually the case with ssb. In many of my pota parks there is no cell service, so the POTA spot page is not available. Thx for the vid !

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The park number is typically not send during a CW activation. Otherwise the exchange gets cumbersome. When the log is uploaded the park to park contacts will resolve automatically and everyone will get their credit.

[@bhenry5091]

Seems absurd reasoning to me as a new cw operator, when it is regular practice in SSB mode. Are CW operators that lazy?!?@@KB9VBRAntennas

[@k4adz]

This is inspiring.... I'd like to give it a try... Maybe i need to buy a key

[@therandomwire1]

Congrats on your first cw pota! Now show us from the beginning on hooking up the key, the menus, and performing the cw recordings, then hooking up and using the fancy keypad.

[@EricFullwood]

"You've taken your first step into a larger world."

[@radioman3229]

what is the black box with the 4 colored buttons called?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

It's a remote control box similar to the Yaesu FH-2. Here's a video on how we built it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opuanmBvgKhsf9k

[@natep121]

Do you not have to send actual signal reports? How can they be preset? Great idea Michael!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Signal reports are approximate. Most will give a 59 unless the signal is especially weak or unreadable.

[@davewhite7679]

Contesters always send 599 reports. My POTA macro is pre-set to send a generic 559 report. IF a station is exceptionally weak or exceptionally strong, I skip the macro and manually send a more appropriate report. KZ9V

[@natep121]

@@KB9VBRAntennas I see. Thanks Michael!

[@natep121]

@@davewhite7679 Makes sense. Thanks Dave!

[@N6PCD]

Excellent video! Maybe I’ll give CW a try for ZPOTA.

[@waltbury]

Very COOL Thanks

[@FrankReiter]

Any suggestions for a good key/paddle?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

In the video I had my Bencher paddle out with me. It is a beauty but not really suitable for portable use. I ordered a CW-Morse paddle for outdoors. They are an inexpensive and highly recommended. cwmorse.us/collections/outdoor-paddles

[@paulsundquist5258]

If you missed the Badgers hat the Spotted Cow tells you this video was from Wisconsin

[@truckinguy92]

Is the relay chatter normal for CW? How do you know what park they’re in? Why isn’t the park number part of the exchange? Another great video.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The relay chatter is normal and is more evident on the FT-891 than other rigs. When the rig is set to full break-in, you can set the level of delay between the dits and dahs so you can listen to the received signal between the letters. We have it set pretty tight, but it can be adjusted. Park numbers are not traditionally sent in the CW exchange. They can be if requested, otherwise you know by looking at the spotting page. When the activators log is submitted, they will include the park number and you can see than on your "My Hunter Log" page.

[@truckinguy92]

@@KB9VBRAntennas I only ask because there’s a lot of locations that don’t have cell service.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The neat thing is, and this works with FT8 too, is that you can schedule your activations on the pota.app page, providing your park number. Then when you are out in the field calling CQ, the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) will pick up your call, decode it, and automatically spot you based on the information you provided in the activation schedule. No need to worry about cell service.

[@davewhite7679]

FYI - I've had some issues with RBN not spotting my scheduled activations during my trip this past week. It was pretty unreliable. But "SOTAmat" was 100% reliable every time I used it for self spotting. We need to make a video on how to set up "SOTAmat" and use it for self spotting. KZ9V

[@scottdurbin9684]

What piece of equipment did he use to store the macros?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The macros were stored in the FT-891. It has the facility for five voice macros and five CW macros.

[@davewhite7679]

Some transceivers allow you to create the macros from a keyboard, but we stored the CW macros on both of our FT-891s using one of my paddle keys. KZ9V

[@W5CSM-Dave]

An inexperienced CWer (but interested) question. I am familiar with the 599 - Readability, strength, tone report. What is the "N"?

[@davewhite7679]

"N" is commonly used in CW mode as the cut abreviation for the number "9". It's faster and easier to send. KZ9V

[@W5CSM-Dave]

@@davewhite7679 that makes sense in brevity. Thanks.

[@Scott_AI5EF]

Was your radio on CW with FLDIGI or set on USB like a PSK31 contact?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The rig was set to CW, that way we could use the macro function that is built into the radio.

[@Scott_AI5EF]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Thank you.

[@WB8ERJ]

Oh one more thing, if someone has a rig that doesn't support CW macro's FLdigi can also handle macro's as well

[@davewhite7679]

Yes, it can. So can several logging programs, including N1MM+ and N3FJP. For CW contesting, I always use N1MM+ for logging and sending code. KZ9V

[@ve3sif]

nice job!! 73

[@solarnewbee7868]

NEED A VID ON HOW U WERE DOING THIS CW ON FLDIGI AND FT8 AT THE SAME TIME.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

We may have to dig into FLDigi. I was using my Digrig interface to pipe the audio into the computer. Once the interface is setup, FLdigi automatically starts decoding.

[@solarnewbee7868]

OK THANX FOR THE REPLY. IF U EVER DO A VID ON THIS, I WILL BE WATCHING. THANX. VA3NFL@@KB9VBRAntennas

[@solarnewbee7868]

BY THE WAY, I WATCH ALL YOUR VIDS.

[@davewhite7679]

I actually know a guy that does 2-radio contesting and POTA activations. It's called "SO2R". He's usually running CW mode on one radio and FT8 on the other one simultaneously. It's insane to watch him operate.😵 KZ9V

[@WilliamLee-eh6hy]

@@davewhite7679 There is a version of FT8 (WSJT-Z) that runs full auto. Sends out CQ POTA with your call sign and answers all return calls ... then logs the contact. Great for POTA activation's while you eat lunch or go to the bathroom or take a nap.

[@WilliamLee-eh6hy]

I understand what you are saying about memory's and I can see how that might work. However, if you are hunting POTA and "know little or no code" how would you know you found a POTA activator? How would you know what CW signals to respond to? You need to know code to find the stations sending "CQ POTA" and their park number ... not all are spotted somewhere and code readers do not work very well on the weak portable or QRP signals most POTA activators have. Even then the operators usually send at 20 wpm or more ... very intimidating for someone able to barely do 8 wpm. If you are going to use computer automation then you should just do FT8 and make tons of contacts.

[@michaelcarron3418]

A string dits about 8-dits long means a mistake in a character or number that the sender had sent. It would be sent correctly by repeating it without messing it up again. Or send a K and listen for the call sign to be sent again. K would mean Go ahead.

[@charlesschotta4005]

So, the K: it basically means, "'K, go ahead." Right? 😆

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Correct. K and BK signal the other station that the transmission has ended.

[@bemba187]

Spotted Cow!

[@goobercrow198]

Good job Dave, it's a start! I think if you go back and listen AI5LC gave you a 57N and Great mentoring Mike

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

You could be right. I was cut and pasting the titles. My recognition isn't 100% so I was trying my best to be accurate.

[@lstavenhagen]

Boo, hiss to the detractors in the comments. There's always that element that thinks that just because they had to learn it the hard way, everyone else has to do it the hard way too. But hey, that's why we invented keyers and memories in modern radios! I'm getting back into amateur radio after a long layoff myself - I can still copy in my head at almost 25wpm, but my sending is an absolute disaster. I'm definitely going to use the memory keyer in my 705 more.... Great vid!

[@JustMe-dv5ix]

Good for Dave, He knows CW is where Hams hang out, and good for you you will get the CW fever. Dave I do think it is better to not use the electronics send code for you, but it is much better to write down the rubber stamp POTA exchange and send it your self, you can set the tranceiver in to practic mode to practice practice until you feel it is time to get on the air. Are you going to make mistakes? yes, we all do even seasond hams make mistakes. Letting a computer program send and desipher code for you is not CW it is more like FT8

[@giffjim55]

To the angry CW gatekeepers out there, I learned CW many years ago. I never was too fast, but knew it nevertheless. Now I am old, and my ears don’t send the sound to my little grey cells like they used to. I need this assistance. You angry folks just need to calm down a little and realize that some of us need a little assistance because of age and physical limitations.

[@kuhumbuwa]

KB9VBR nice .

[@n0vty873]

Very close to ft8 type of qso

[@g4lmn-ron401]

A few detractors in the comments. It may not be your way of CW but it's a way for some to participate. The more you do it the more likely you are to develop the skill. If you are working some one who is using this method, would you know, could you tell? I suspect not.

[@limanowski1234]

This is a creative way to get into cw and POTA. You first crawl, then walk and this will encourage newbies get more into cw. Nothing wrong with this. One thing about it once you learn it you will never forget it. Also New Glarus beer is pretty good. 🤪 John Limanowski N9DNB

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

An important video to demistify using CW and take the sting out of early attempts. Morse isn’t meant to be elitist, it’s a language that we best learn through nurturing.

[@floridasaltlife]

No code Extra here !!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Nothing wrong with that.

[@ERICtheLATE]

The whole concept is awesome and minimal, but adding a guitar distortion pedal in line to the speaker to make it like pulses of fuzz or old tv static is much easier to listen to, the piercing beep is harsh after 5 minute duration. A blinking led patch or ticker tape, not actual text teleprompter, would be nice and more stealthy, that beep tone...sorry to be negative but it is something that could be improved on. Roger Beep assult. 🍻

[@Kevin-w8ni]

Michael… your callsign is not conducive to CW. 😂 Enjoy, and I would love to get you on CW. I get a lot of WI guys down here.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

No it is not. In making this video, Dave mentioned repeatedly that the V B combination is a bear to send. I hope to get you in the log on CW soon

[@davewhite7679]

Michael's call starts out very similar to mine. KB9V vs: KZ9V. That far, his CW call is even easier than mine. But the "VBR" sequence at the end is beastly. He needs a new 4 character vanity call sign.😂 KZ9V

[@SFJF26]

Wouldn't those contacts be park to park?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I logged them as park to park. In a typical CW exchange you don't send the park numbers, so the activator doesn't know if it's a p2p until after the logs are submitted.

[@SFJF26]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Got it. Thanks

[@W7LDT]

Good job, Michael. Now take the next step and try it with the key. You need to experience trying to send copiable code while your hand is shaking too hard.

[@ae4xo]

Do you send the park number?

[@MikeB0001]

No need really...you can if someone asks for it.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

No, park numbers are typically not sent in the CW exchange.

[@EricFullwood]

Only if P2P or by request

[@brianfields4479]

From 38 years 99% cw, iam not sure whether to applaud you or burn my lic hi.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Applaud, I hope? Nothing I did should affect your enjoyment of CW, yet it shows how accessible the mode can be.

[@Kq4hcuDan]

Thats the thing sad hams, really are discouraging from the hobbie. You cant assault them "too bad you can't, haha", and if you call them out how dare you and they cowar and its endless drama. Its my goal to get good at CW outdoors with only a cw key and hf transceiver and use CB, GMRS and UHF/VHF for chewing the rag.

[@krzysieklipczynski8571]

Sorry, autocorrection corrupted my msg

[@K7PKB]

If you wish to become proficient at a foreign language, you don't have a robot do the speaking for you, and Morse Code is a language to practice and master. Just a thought.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I learned two foreign languages in high school and college. Dictionaries and phrase books came in very useful. One key to successfully picking up a language is immersion with a support system.

[@LYC54]

So push button CW. C'mon man...!

[@garyhoward3123]

Cw without doing it. Seems off base.

[@davewhite7679]

It's just another helpful tool. CW, RTTY, and SSB contesters have all been using macro messages for many years. Manually calling CQ over and over will wear anybody out. KZ9V

[@daveperry7719]

That may as well be FT8 or some other digital mode. Almost no skill involved - reading the cw off the screen and using a memory keyer to answer

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Why is there an assumption that there needs to be a certain level of skill and assistive devices can’t be used? We’re using the same techniques that contesters use, just in a non contest setting.

[@steveb.548]

Sending a 5 for the middle value of an RST signal report is ambiguous at best, and at worst marks you as a clueless newbie. So, good info overall, but since you are setting 3 feet away I would think that should be a perfect RST signal report, which should be "5 9 9" which is abbreviated as "5 N N" - NOT - "5 5 N". Some operators do like to mix it up and send the proper non-abbreviated 5 9 9 version followed by the quick abbreviated version 5 N N or vs. versa. When someone does have a slightly weaker (but still readable) signal I'll send something like UR RST 3 7 7 which reads as Readability 3 out of 5 -- Signal strength 7 out of 9 and Tone 7 out of 9 (slightly raspy or noisy, no longer 100% pure). I avoid sending "5" for the middle "Signal" number like the plague, even if the signal level is about middle of the road, since the common screw-up of sending 5 as a maximum signal report has made a 5 in the middle position ambiguous. Instead, I'll send a 7 to indicate a slightly weaker signal, and a 2, 3, or 4 as the middle "Signal" number to indicate a significantly weaker barely readable signal - UR RST 2 3 7.

[@skepticalmechanic]

Nice thing about CW… hardly any Lids! Just learn the code and stop with the gimmicks!

[@AlessioBeatrice]

I don't like it at all, CW is an art and must be studied. Using these objects does not lead to anything, those who like CW study it immediately and do not use these objects. Unfortunately nowadays we want everything, immediately and effortlessly. 73

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Good points. CW is often equated to music. In making music, there are many different styles and techniques and one form does not bring down the other. On the contrary, classical styles often make their way into modern hip-hop. We all enjoy it for what it is and how it brings pleasure to our lives.

[@jbrase2000]

NO NO NO! If you rely on macros and decoding software you will never learn code. The POTA exchange is so well established you can learn to key it easily and, since you probably know what the other party is going to send, you can decode it in your head without much trouble.

[@krzysieklipczynski8571]

Sorry it is not First cw contact. It is just everybody who do not know cw do to make a contact…. Yes Michael You are true First Real cw contact king. Where should i send qsl for the stupiddest video? And You Asi it I want more video like this?? Hell, no…

[@EricFullwood]

Anger issues?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Ugh, whatever. Remind me to avoid you the next time I’m on the air.

[@blomidon]

Now I want to see you activate with CW. This has encouraged me to do more CW. The Icom CW macros really help. VO1OK

[@imahamjim]

Great job guys. Jim k1az

[@solarnewbee7868]

R U DOING RITTY FOR THE SOURCE ON FLDIGI. NOT SURE HOW U R RECIEVING?

[@billssimplepinedesign8878]

I have a G90. I know it has cw but I haven’t tried it. I wonder if I can use the setup you have ? Congratulations and thanks for sharing your experience. KD2UTJ.

[@ERICtheLATE]

That radio had so much potential, needed an hdmi port and a usb keyboard with translate to morse embedded, it has a weak code decoder, but no pileups and a bit wonky like channel 11 close captioning at 3am. It can often glitch on numbers, wrecking a callsign. They went on to bump out smartphone radios, instead.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Dave has a G90. while he says it has great CW features, the big thing it is lacking is macro storage. He is using a Pico Keyer for that: www.radiodan.com/keyer/pico_keyer_ultra.html

[@billssimplepinedesign8878]

Thanks for the info.

[@paulgarcia1566]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Thank you for this info Michael.

[@donaldclark5058]

Way to go!!! I went through this....Thomas K4SWL inspired me to do CW.....now that is mostly what I do. KB6QEW

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

He's an excellent inspiration.

[@Bill-HRT]

I love it! That's my mind set; you can do it, we can do it, let's get on the air! Thanks, Michael. 73 de K0WHW @Bill-HRT

[@btaylor1948]

Thanks Michael. Now I have another mode to get an activation with you. I generally I send my code though. Recorded responses are nice but knowing CW I would rather key it. But some of the guys send so fast (30-40 wpm) I cannot get their call. Right now 15 wpm is my max but am training to go higher. Thanks again. Bob WB6TIS.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Can’t wait to get you in the log.

[@btaylor1948]

@@KB9VBRAntennas I have you a few times on FT8.... next is CW and SSB. 73. Bob

[@davidcastillo2227]

Great video - got me thinking I can do this too! Thanks and 73s de K5NUN

[@davenewmyer3735]

Want to encourage you to keep after this. I find cw rewarding as a hunter for myself, and occasionally as an activator for our club, K0SLV. . You might even try a touch slower, and give the paddle a try from time to time. 73 de n0km